Is Essex, MD 21221 a buyer’s or seller’s market?

The Essex housing market right now

In the three months ending August 31, 2026, 36% of homes in Essex, MD 21221 sold above their list price, the typical home went under contract in 34 days and there were 3.2 months of supply. Under four months of supply means sellers have the edge: expect competition for well-priced homes. That’s based on 101 home sales.

Compared with the same period a year earlier, the share selling over asking was about the same (36% then), homes sold about as fast and the median sale price fell 4% to $284,877. Overall, Essex is about as competitive as it was a year ago.

Within Baltimore County, homes here sell more slowly than in 64% of the county’s ZIP codes, and sell less often over asking than in 54%. On our competition score, Essex ranks #110 of 241 MD ZIP codes with enough sales (score 69 out of 100).

Nearby, buyers who want less competition could look at Upperco 21155 (0% sold over asking) or Hydes 21082 (0% sold over asking), while Catonsville 21228 (63% sold over asking) and Monkton 21111 (61% sold over asking) are even more competitive.